Kashmir to Ladakh: Houseboats & Himalayan Roads
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. In the evening, join your CEO and group for a welcome meeting. Then walk through the famous Lal Bazar market area on an orientation walk.
- Lal Bazar Orientation Walk: Join your CEO for a walk through Lal Bazar neighbourhood in Srinagar. This part of the city is sandwiched between the Dal Lake and the Anchar Lake. So enjoy the views and get acquainted with the city.
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Today we'll learn why Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. With the stunning Dal Lake, beautiful gardens and historic temples, you'll quickly see why Srinagar is so magnificent.
- Srinagar City Tour: Experience the city of Srinagar on a tour today. Start at The Mughal Gardens, made up of a collection of 6 gardens known for their natural freshwater springs-said to have therapeutic properties, and picturesque views of the Dal Lake. Then visit the 17th-century, white-marbled Hazratbal Mosque on the Dal Lake. Get your camera ready for a quick stop at Badshah ka Tomb and the beautiful wooden Khanqah-e-moula (Jama Masjiq). Last stop of the day is Shankaracharya temple, one of Kashmir's oldest temples.
Join your group for an unforgettable sunrise from the deck of a Shikara, a traditional Jammu and Kashmir style boat. Pay a visit to what's considered the oldest temple in all of Jammu and Kashmir, the Shankaracharya Temple. The rest of the day is yours to explore Srinagar. We recommend a safari at Dachigam National Park to spot the Royal Kashmir stag. Tonight we will stay on a houseboat on Dal Lake.
- Sunrise Boat Ride on Dal Lake: Watch the sunrise over the beautiful Dal Lake form the comfort of a Shikara, traditional boat. Visit the vegetable market and enjoy the chance to see the local side of Srinagar.
- Shankaracharya Temple: Climb approximately 243 steps to reach the Shankaracharya Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to be one of Kashmir's oldest shrines. At the top, admire the panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake.
- Free Time: Spend the afternoon at leisure in Srinagar.
- Overnight on a Houseboat: See Dal Lake from a new view, from aboard a houseboat. Enjoy a peaceful night on the lake and enjoy the views.
- Dachigam National Park: On the east side of Dal lake lives the Dachigam National Park, a wildlife protected area. Head out on a safari through Dachigam National Park to hopefully spot the Royal Kashmir stag and other wildlife in the area.
Drive to Pahalgam and stop at the Avantipura Temple Ruins and Martand Sun Temple on the way. Arrive to Pahalgam in the afternoon and join an orientation walk of the bazaar and down town area.
- Avanti Swami Temple ruins: The Avantipura temple ruins are the remains of a 9th-century Hindu temple complex in Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir, India, built by King Avantivarman. The site originally featured two temples: Avantisvamin, dedicated to Vishnu, and Avantisvara, dedicated to Shiva. Though largely destroyed, the complex is known for its beautiful, intricately carved architecture.
- Shri Martand Sun Temple: The Martand Sun Temple is an 8th-century Kashmiri Hindu temple. The architectural marvel, built by the Karkota dynasty, stands on a hilltop. It offers panoramic views of the valley despite its destruction in the 15th century. It features a central shrine and a quadrangle of 84 smaller shrines.
- Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
We continue east through Jammu and Kashmir to the town of Sonamarg. We'll stop at the famous Zero Point for incredible glacial views and then explore the Sonamarg Bazaar.
- Zero Point: Visit this famous lookout point in Sonamarg. Known for its breathtaking views and scenic landscapes, this high-altitude destination sits at an elevation of over 3,500m (11,000 ft) above sea level. It is the farthest point that can be accessed by road in Sonamarg, offering fantastic views of the surrounding glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and alpine meadows.
- Sonamarg Bazaar: Wander through the brightly coloured and fragrant Sonamarg bazaar.
Cross the border into the next Indian union territory of Ladakh, known for its high-altitude cold Himalayan desert and often referred to as "Little Tibet." On the way stop and visit the Kargil War Memorial. In Lamayuru, we will be staying in the guesthouse of the Lamayuru Monastery, an incredible opportunity to witness the activities of the monks.
- Kargil War Memorial: Visit the Kargil War Memorial, also known as the Dras War Memorial, built by the Indian Army to commemorate the soldiers who died in the 1999 Kargil War.
- Overnight at the Lamayuru Monastery: Stay in the guesthouse of the breathtaking Lamayuru Monastery perched on the top of the cliff. Here we will have the opportunity to watch the monks in their daily practices and learn about Tibetan Buddhism.
Travel deeper into the Ladakh region as we head to Leh today. On the way, stop at Sangam point, a beautiful lookout point where the Indus and Zanskar Rivers meet. Next stop is at the optical illusion known as "Magnetic Hill," a gravity hill where a downhill road appears to be uphill, making vehicles in neutral seem to roll upwards. This phenomenon is caused by the layout of the surrounding landscape and slopes, creating the illusion. Third stop is to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a significant Sikh pilgrimage site. Arrive to Leh and join an orientation walk of the Leh Market.
- Morning Prayer Ceremony at the Lamayuru Monastery: Join the Tibetan Buddhist monks for their morning prayer ritual.
- Gurudwara Pathar Sahib: Visit the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a significant Sikh pilgrimage site built to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 16th century. According to local legend, Guru Nanak Dev Ji's divine power transformed a demon's attacking stone into soft clay, leaving an imprint of his body on it. Managed by the Indian Army, it offers visitors a sacred and tranquil environment.
- Leh Market: Explore the historic Leh Market on the beautiful streets of Leh.
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- Stay on a traditional houseboat and glide across Dal Lake by shikara.
- Trek through Pahalgam’s Lidder Valley and take in sweeping views at Sonmarg.
- Explore Lamayuru’s surreal “Moonland” and visit centuries-old monasteries.
- Cross Zozila Pass.
- Visit Kargil and Drass war memorials, and soak in iconic Himalayan drives.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Local Living Moment: Overnight at the Lamayuru Monastery, Lāmayūrū
- Panoramic walk to Shankaracharya Hill
- Guided visit to Srinagar’s Mughal Gardens (Nishat, Shalimar, Chashm-e-Shahi)
- Houseboat stay
- Shikara ride on Dal Lake
- Guided Lidder Valley trek
- Short guided hike in Sonmarg
- Jeep ride to Zero Point
- Scenic drive through Zozila Pass & Kargil
- Visit to Drass War Memorial, Mulbekh Monastery, and Kargil Gompa
- Evening walk through Lamayuru’s moonlike landscapes
- Leh town orientation tour
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, Boat, Jeep, Walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Simple Hotel (twin-share): 6 Nights, Traditional Boat House: 1 Night
- 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
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Dates & Pricing
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